Temple’s running game helps Owls overtake Pirates 27–17, win AAC conference opener
Temple (4–1, 1–0) allowed an opening drive touchdown, but their defense righted the ship and their running back tandem of Re’Mahn Davis (Fr.) and Jager Gardner (R-Sr.) couldn’t be limited in the Owls’ 27–17 victory over East Carolina (3–3, 0–2).
Temple’s special teams rebounded last week against Georgia Tech and kick returner Isaiah Wright (Sr.) set up Temple with good field position, which led to a Gardner touchdown. Owls kicker Will Mobley (R-So.) hit both of his field goals last night and is now 4-for-5 on the season. Both Gardner and Davis punched in touchdowns on the ground and tallied over 4.2 yards per carry.
Per ESPN, Davis came into tonight’s game as the nation’s leader in rushing yards per game among true freshmen. He displayed power and vision, eclipsing 100 yards on the ground in his second straight game. Davis totaled a career-high 157 yards on 24 carries while Gardner complemented with 60 yards on 14 carries.
Davis has been a revelation out of Temple’s backfield through five games, displaying the ability to influence the game on the ground and as a receiver. His potency in the run game has taken pressure off of quarterback Anthony Russo’s shoulders over the past two games.
Temple’s offensive line was an intricate part in Temple’s rushing game, opening holes for the Owls’ tandem to capitalize on. Outside of a strip sack from ECU’s Kendall Futtrell (Sr.), Temple’s group of five up front heightened the offense’s play. Branden Mack (R-Jr.) only recorded one catch last week but was targeted often Thursday. He led the Owls with 107 yards on nine receptions.
Russo (R-Jr.) struggled early with his accuracy, but he responded in the second half to connect with Temple’s receivers on short and intermediate routes. Russo finished 23-for-34 passing for 208 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown came on a forward toss to Wright, who was a threat when controlling the ball Thursday night.
Wright was one of Russo’s favorite targets tonight, finishing with nine receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. His 55-yard kick return that led to Temple’s first touchdown set up the Owls with a prime scoring opportunity when trailing 7–3.
Temple head coach Rod Carey inserted backup quarterback Todd Centeio (R-So.), after the Owls were reportedly interested in utilizing Centeio, and he captained the Owls’ first scoring drive that resulted in a field goal. The dual threat redshirt sophomore threw for 45 yards, going 4-for-5 passing, and tallied 23 yards on nine rushes.
Russo’s status as Temple’s starter isn’t in question, but Centeio’s ability to make defenders react to another rushing presence in the read option can be a component in Rod Carey’s offense.
Temple’s defense held Georgia Tech’s offense to zero accounted for points last week and ceded just 327 total yards five days later. ECU didn’t score a meaningful point after the 5:52 mark in the second quarter, when they tied the game at 10. Temple would answer with 17 unanswered points, before Holton Ahlers (So.) hooked up with C.J. Johnson (Fr.) late in the fourth quarter.
Ahlers went just 19-for-39 passing for 229 yards and two touchdowns. Temple recorded three sacks and pressured Ahlers throughout the Pirates’ loss. A few of Temple’s corners nearly recorded interceptions and all three levels of Carey’s defense had a solid night.
Defensive tackle Ifeanyi Maijeh’s breakout campaign continued, as he sacked Ahlers and recorded six tackles. The redshirt sophomore has 30 tackles and five sacks through five games, a remarkable feat for an interior lineman.
Temple’s defense held ECU to just three third-down conversions on 14 opportunities. They face a more intimidating offense when the Owls host Memphis (4–0, 1–0) on Oct. 12 at noon.